Our Summer Term Topic is; 'Scream Machine'

This term, your child will explore the thrilling world of theme parks and rollercoasters in our dynamic Scream Machine topic. From the science behind gravity and motion to the design of jaw-dropping rides, learners will investigate how forces work and how engineering brings excitement to life. The pupils will dive into the physics of speed, loops, and drops, while exploring the history and cultural impact of amusement parks around the world.

Through hands-on experiments, creative design challenges, and real-world problem solving, children will apply their learning across science, technology, maths, and expressive arts. They’ll design their own rollercoasters, test materials, and explore how safety and innovation go hand in hand in the world of ride engineering.

Literacy and numeracy are embedded throughout as pupils write persuasive adverts, calculate ride speeds, and interpret data. The topic also encourages teamwork, resilience, and imaginative thinking as learners collaborate to bring their ideas to life.

By the end of the topic, pupils will have a deeper understanding of how science and creativity combine to create unforgettable experiences, and how they can be the innovators of the future.

This topic supports the development of the Four Purposes of the Curriculum for Wales:

• 🧠 Ambitious, capable learners who explore scientific concepts, solve problems, and think critically.
• ❤️ Healthy, confident individuals who take risks, share ideas, and reflect on their learning.
• 🌍 Ethical, informed citizens who understand the importance of safety, sustainability, and responsible design.
• 💡 Enterprising, creative contributors who use imagination and innovation to design, build, and present their ideas.

Visits: ​

• Techniquest​

• Llangrannog Residential trip (more details to follow)​

Experiences:​

• Ramp Races​

Investigate how slope angle affects speed using toy cars or marbles. ​

• Push or Pull?​

Explore different fairground ride models (e.g. spinning tops, pulley lifts) and classify the forces involved.​

• Materials for Safety​

Test different materials to see which best protects an egg in a drop, linking to ride safety.​

• Friction Test Track​

Create tracks with different surfaces and test how far a toy travels. Discuss how friction affects motion.​

• Balloon Rocket Launch​

Investigate how air pressure propels a balloon along a string. Pupils can vary balloon size or string length to test effects​